New Zealand Under 21 (formerly Colts) was first selected in 1955 and played annually until 2007. The Under 21s enjoyed success on the world stage, winning SANZAR/UAR tournaments and world titles in:
2000
2001
2003
2004
In the 2002 Championship New Zealand won 3 games in 4 rounds, losing only to South Africa 18-19. This led to New Zealand playing in the 3rd place playoff where they beat Wales 59-7. South Africa beat Australia 24-21 in the final.[1]
In the 2005 Under 21 Rugby World Championship in Argentina, New Zealand lost 12-16 to South Africa in the semi-final and then beat France 47-21 in the 3rd place play off. South Africa beat Australia 24–20 in the final.
At the 2006 Under 21 Rugby World Championship in France, New Zealand lost 23-40 to South Africa in the semi-final and lost 36-39 to Australia in the 3rd place play off. France beat South Africa 24-13 in the final.
